Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain his administration’s performance and address Nigerians’ economic concerns before seeking another term in office in 2027.

Atiku accused the President of relying on political allies, ministers, governors and defectors to defend his record instead of personally answering questions about the hardship facing citizens.

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate made his position known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.

His comments followed reports that Tinubu might miss some campaign rallies because of the demands of governing the country.

Atiku questioned the President’s explanation, arguing that the same urgency should have guided his response to Nigerians struggling with the cost of living.

“Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief?” he asked.

The former vice president said the President should explain what his administration had done to make food more affordable, improve access to medicines for pensioners and create decent employment opportunities for young people.

He also argued that Tinubu must account for his first term before asking voters to renew his mandate.

Atiku faulted what he described as the administration’s attention to foreign creditors and investors, insisting that the financial and social pressures facing Nigerian households deserved equal priority.

“Tinubu says American creditors cannot wait. Nigerians cannot wait either. They have bills to pay, children to feed and lives to rebuild,” he said.

He further criticised the President’s reliance on political supporters to defend his performance, maintaining that responsibility for government decisions rested with Tinubu himself.

“The people on his campaign council did not receive the mandate in 2023. Tinubu did. He made the promises. He took the decisions. He must face the questions,” Atiku said.

He added that voters would assess the President based on their personal experiences rather than the arguments presented by members of his campaign team.

The criticism comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the economy, rising living costs, employment and the effects of government policies expected to feature prominently in campaigns.

The Federal Government has defended its economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange regime, describing them as necessary measures to stabilise the economy and strengthen public finances.

However, the policies have continued to attract criticism over their effects on transport fares, food prices and household purchasing power.

Atiku contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party before joining the opposition coalition associated with the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls.